Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Depression, Suicidal, Difficulty In Sleeping And Making Decisions After Stopping Smoking Marijuana. Recommend
Hello,
I have recently stopped smoking marijuana after using for 15 years and am experiencing severe manic-depression episodes where i'll be fine and right for a day or two and then fall into a depressive state where i basically can't get out of bed for days and if i do I am basically non-functional. I am not sleeping, eating and cannot make any descions no matter how small they are (what clothes to wear, whether or not to leave the house). This seems to be slowly getting worse and I am starting to feel more suicidal everyday. My drug counsellor tends to think i may be bi-polar and has recommended I start taking meds but I am reluctant to due to the possiblitly of addiction. What would you recommend i do??
I have recently stopped smoking marijuana after using for 15 years and am experiencing severe manic-depression episodes where i'll be fine and right for a day or two and then fall into a depressive state where i basically can't get out of bed for days and if i do I am basically non-functional. I am not sleeping, eating and cannot make any descions no matter how small they are (what clothes to wear, whether or not to leave the house). This seems to be slowly getting worse and I am starting to feel more suicidal everyday. My drug counsellor tends to think i may be bi-polar and has recommended I start taking meds but I am reluctant to due to the possiblitly of addiction. What would you recommend i do??
Sat, 25 May 2013
Hello,
Firstly, congratulations for being able to quit marijuana . Keep up the efforts.
Smoking marijuana for a long time can result in neurobiological changes in the brain resulting in psychiatric illnesses like psychosis , bipolar disorder , depression , anxiety or personality change.
Alternatively, psychiatric illnesses can lead to addiction to drugs of abuse like alcohol, marijuana or opium. However, many times the psychiatric illness is subclinical initially and manifests itself after years.
The symptoms which you are describing are suggestive of mood disorder most likely depression. It is caused by neurobiological changes in the brain. Medicines which are given correct the imbalance in the brain. Mood stabilizing drugs and anti-depressant medicines are non addicting. However , the course of treatment ranges from six months and beyond depending upon your response and the medicines have to be stopped gradually . You definitely need medicine for your symptoms since your are having suicidal thoughts. Consult a psychiatrist and start medications as early as possible.
All the best
Firstly, congratulations for being able to quit marijuana . Keep up the efforts.
Smoking marijuana for a long time can result in neurobiological changes in the brain resulting in psychiatric illnesses like psychosis , bipolar disorder , depression , anxiety or personality change.
Alternatively, psychiatric illnesses can lead to addiction to drugs of abuse like alcohol, marijuana or opium. However, many times the psychiatric illness is subclinical initially and manifests itself after years.
The symptoms which you are describing are suggestive of mood disorder most likely depression. It is caused by neurobiological changes in the brain. Medicines which are given correct the imbalance in the brain. Mood stabilizing drugs and anti-depressant medicines are non addicting. However , the course of treatment ranges from six months and beyond depending upon your response and the medicines have to be stopped gradually . You definitely need medicine for your symptoms since your are having suicidal thoughts. Consult a psychiatrist and start medications as early as possible.
All the best
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Mood disorder
Loading Online Doctors....